A joint force led by the army conducted an operation in the Lavrapara area of Bhulta Union, Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj on Friday morning. During the operation, authorities seized 135 kilograms of cannabis, 10,000 yaba tablets, 290 bottles of Phensedyl, and 1,331 bottles of a similar intoxicant. Three young men—Tanjid Hasan (28), Rifat Mia (18), and Ridul Mia (23)—were arrested from the area.

Major Sharif of the Rupganj Army Camp stated that the operation was carried out based on confidential information. According to the army, the three detainees already faced multiple cases with Rupganj Police Station. After their arrest, they were handed over to the local police.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Sabjel Hossain of Rupganj Police Station confirmed that a case under the Narcotics Control Act has been filed, and the arrested individuals have been sent to the Narayanganj court.

A drug dealer abandoned his motorcycle and fled after spotting an army checkpoint in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi on Friday, January 16. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the Talanda Union Parishad in Debipur Mor. Security forces later recovered 115 bottles of Phensedyl from the unregistered blue Apache RTR motorcycle and handed both the drugs and the vehicle over to the local police station.

According to police, the seized narcotics have an estimated market value of about two lakh taka. The operation was part of a joint force drive in the area, and preparations are underway to file a case under the Narcotics Control Act at Tanore Police Station.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect who fled the scene, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the individual involved in the drug trafficking attempt.

Interim government finance adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has called on government officials and employees to remain patient regarding the announcement and implementation of the new pay scale. Speaking to journalists on Friday evening at Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium in Natore, he said that necessary steps would be taken promptly once the committee’s report on the pay scale is received. He confirmed that a committee has already been formed and that the government will act based on its recommendations.

Addressing another issue, Dr. Ahmed said that the upcoming referendum would reflect the will of the people. He noted that administrative officials are working to ensure a ‘yes’ vote and that the media also has a responsibility to raise public awareness about the referendum. He added that he has been visiting various districts to highlight its importance.

Several senior officials, including the cabinet secretary, finance secretary, and other top administrative and departmental representatives, were present during the visit.

A rare Himalayan vulture was rescued by residents of Debiganj in Panchagarh on Thursday, January 15. The bird was found in the Bhaualganj Baniyapur Pradhan Para area of Chilahat Union after it became injured while attempting to hunt a goat in a local agricultural field. The vulture reportedly collided with a tree and got entangled in a net used for farming. Local farmer Akkel Ali and his son Tarek discovered the injured bird and rescued it.

After the incident became known, residents informed the Debiganj Upazila Forest Department. Officials from the department arrived at the scene, took custody of the vulture, and brought it to the Debiganj Upazila Range Officer’s office for treatment. The bird is currently receiving medical care, and authorities said it will be released back into the wild once it recovers.

The rescue highlights local awareness and cooperation in protecting rare wildlife species in the region.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has stated that law enforcement agencies are not sufficiently active or effective ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the reform referendum, both scheduled for February 12. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while attending a winter clothing distribution event at Mahuttuli Government Primary School in Old Dhaka.

During his speech, Asif Mahmud said that juvenile gangs and criminals are still moving freely in public. He demanded swift punishment for those involved in the killing of Osman Hadi and for attacks on political leaders. The event also featured NCP’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-7 constituency, Tarek A. Adel, who joined Mahmud in distributing winter clothes as part of a humanitarian initiative.

The comments come amid preparations for the national election and referendum, highlighting concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining order during the electoral period.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) parliamentary candidate ATM Azharul Islam said the party’s goal is to build a welfare-oriented state. He stated that implementing such policies would eliminate poverty and unemployment. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon at a courtyard meeting in Lakkhanpur, Ramnathpur Union of Badarganj upazila, presided over by union Jamaat secretary Abdul Halim, with other local leaders also speaking.

Azharul Islam further said Bangladesh is not a poor country but has been weakened by large-scale money laundering abroad, creating “Begumpara” for corrupt individuals. He urged voters to cast their ballots freely for honest and qualified candidates, emphasizing the need to vote for the “balance scale” symbol and support the “yes” side in the referendum to uphold democracy and recognize the sacrifices of July fighters.

He accused the previous Awami government of holding citizens hostage and claimed that without student and public movements, the country would have been completely destroyed. He warned that any attempt to obstruct voting would face strong public resistance.

A human chain was organized in Jurain, Dhaka, by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kadamtali Thana unit on Friday to demand an end to the ongoing gas crisis. Several hundred local men and women participated in the demonstration. Speaking at the event, Syed Zainul Abedin, a member of the Dhaka South Jamaat executive council, alleged that the gas shortage across the country was artificial and caused by a syndicate of dishonest traders. He claimed that the government failed to take strict action against them due to internal and external political influences.

Abedin further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami had repeatedly warned the interim government after August 5, 2024, to identify and prosecute those responsible for corruption and lawlessness. He accused certain political groups of protecting wrongdoers for personal gain and called on the youth to reject corrupt and violent leadership. On the issue of the upcoming referendum, he urged citizens to vote “yes” to prevent authoritarian rule and ensure judicial independence.

He added that a “yes” victory in the referendum would limit any individual’s tenure as prime minister to ten years, which he said would help prevent dictatorship and uphold justice in Bangladesh.

A two-day training program on election journalism was organized by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in collaboration with the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and a referendum on reforms. The event began on Thursday and concluded on Friday, with 50 journalists from various Dhaka-based media outlets participating. Certificates were distributed to participants at the end of the program.

The training, held for the second time, aimed to strengthen professionalism and reporting skills among journalists. Sessions covered election laws and administrative structures, ethics of election reporting, fact-checking, countering rumors and misinformation, and ensuring both physical and digital safety for journalists. PIB Director General Faruq Wasif emphasized that journalists must demonstrate professionalism and prioritize truth, neutrality, and public interest to maintain public trust during elections.

Organizers stated that such continuous training initiatives would help ensure responsible, professional, and impartial journalism during the upcoming national election.

Interim government adviser for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that no one spoke on behalf of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia when she was imprisoned and ill. He made the remarks on Friday, January 16, at a citizens’ memorial meeting held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in memory of Khaleda Zia.

Nazrul added that gratitude toward the July coup leaders had made Khaleda Zia known to everyone while another figure was sidelined. He emphasized that for Bangladesh to prosper, Khaleda Zia’s ideals must be internalized. At the same event, writer and researcher Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah said that people would remember Khaleda Zia for her sacrifice, honesty, and endurance. He added that if her party and the nation uphold her teachings, they will survive; otherwise, they will not.

Mahbub Ullah further remarked that Khaleda Zia’s death did not mark the end of time or the future, as her ideals would remain the driving force of Bangladesh’s future.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Charmonai Pir, has withdrawn from the 11-party electoral alliance headed by Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement was made on Friday by Islami Andolan’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, who raised several allegations against Jamaat. In response, Jamaat clarified its position through Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, stating that no party was disrespected or pressured in seat-sharing or political discussions.

Zubair explained that decisions were made transparently based on multiple surveys assessing field realities, organizational strength, candidate acceptability, and rival positions. He rejected claims that Jamaat sought to impose Sharia law, saying the party operates within Bangladesh’s constitution and legal framework. He also clarified that the alliance was not a formal coalition but an electoral coordination among reform-seeking parties without a permanent structure.

Zubair expressed regret over a missed meeting due to a leader’s illness and said Jamaat remains open to dialogue. He added that 253 candidates have been announced so far, with discussions ongoing for the remaining seats, and the party plans to contest all 300 constituencies.

Freedom fighter and retired head teacher Tofazzal Hossain passed away at his home in Dolong, Chatmohar, Pabna, on Friday morning. He was 76 years old. He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters, grandchildren, and many admirers. His son, schoolteacher Forhad Nasim Lavlu, said his father had been under treatment for various age-related illnesses.

According to Assistant Freedom Fighter Commander Ignasius Gomez (Inu Master), the first funeral prayer with state honors was held after Juma prayers at Dolong Madrasa field in the municipal area. The second funeral prayer took place after Maghrib at his village home in Charnabin, Chaikola Union, followed by burial at the local cemetery.

The report highlights the community’s respect for the late freedom fighter, who served as a teacher and contributed to education and the liberation movement in the region.

BNP candidate for Chattogram-4, Aslam Chowdhury, announced that his party will work to improve the living standards of transport workers. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with transport workers in the Bhatiari Jalil Station area of Sitakunda, he said that workers in this sector face high risks, long working hours, and often do not receive fair wages. The event was organized by the Road and Highway Goods Transport Workers Federation.

Chowdhury stated that transport workers endure significant hardships, staying away from their families for the sake of the country’s import and export activities, yet they lack job security and adequate pay. He also noted widespread disorder in the transport sector and said workers often suffer due to various vested interests. He pledged that if BNP comes to power, it will prioritize the welfare of transport workers and improve their quality of life, adding that party chairman Tarique Rahman is committed to this cause.

The meeting was conducted by the federation’s general secretary Zainal Khan Laden and presided over by acting president Shahjahan, with several other federation leaders present.

Professor Dr. F.M. Siddiqui, head of the medical team of former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, has demanded that all medical records related to her treatment at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) be legally seized. He made the call on Friday afternoon at a citizens’ memorial meeting for the late former prime minister held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. Siddiqui also urged a thorough investigation into the doctors, treatment process, and related documents from that period.

He stated that Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27, 2021, with COVID-19 complications, after which his team took over her care. Upon examination, they found she had liver cirrhosis and had been prescribed methotrexate for arthritis, which he claimed worsened her liver condition. Siddiqui alleged that government-appointed doctors failed to stop the drug or conduct necessary liver tests, calling it deliberate negligence.

He further proposed forming a high-powered legal committee to investigate three issues: the competence of the government medical board, evidence of negligence by attending doctors, and why her personal physicians were not allowed to participate in her treatment.

A mobile court in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, fined several cloth traders for deceiving customers by selling locally made products as foreign goods. The operation took place on Thursday from noon to evening and was conducted under Section 45 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act. The traders were collectively fined a total of 36,000 taka for the fraudulent practice.

The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md. Kamrul Islam. According to the report, the inspection targeted multiple clothing stores in the Eidgaon market area. The fines were imposed after evidence was found that the traders had mislabeled domestic garments as imported items to attract higher prices.

The mobile court’s action reflects ongoing enforcement of consumer protection laws in local markets, aiming to curb deceptive trade practices and ensure fair treatment for buyers.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Mancha, has given a one-week ultimatum for visible progress in the trial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder. He made the announcement on Friday at a rally held at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus. Earlier, Inquilab Mancha organized a protest march after Friday prayers from the central mosque, which moved through key campus roads and Shahbagh before concluding at the rally site.

During his speech, Jaber criticized political parties for their silence on the demand for justice, urging them to raise their voices simultaneously from all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He warned that if no significant progress is made within a week, a nationwide movement would be launched. Jaber also invoked Hadi’s ideals, emphasizing fairness and the right to vote for all, calling on supporters to uphold his vision of justice in future leadership.

He expressed frustration at major political parties for avoiding street protests while posting emotional messages on social media, describing such actions as clear hypocrisy.